Pope names new guys

Pope Francis is helped wearing his skull cap as he arrives to celebrate the new year's eve vespers Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014. The traditional Mass on Dec. 31contains the thanksgiving hymn ''Te Deum' for the ending year and is the last public appearance of the pope in 2014. (Andrew Medichini / Associated Press)

Pope Francis has named 15 new cardinals to the Catholic Church – and they are not from lands of the usual suspects.

Most of the new leaders come from lesser-represented areas like Tonga, New Zealand, Cape Verde and Myanmar. The appointments reflect the diversity of the universal church.

Francis continues to surprise and delight watchers of the Catholic Church. Why, late last year he even intimated that dogs go to heaven – something our canine friends prove each day with their unconditional love. Humans? Stay tuned.

(S-R photo: Pope Francis, December 2014)

Posted Jan. 5, 2015, 2:18 p.m.

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.